The Harlan Lady Dragons left little doubt they are still the favorite in this year’s 52nd District volleyball race by rolling to a 25-19, 25-14, 25-15 win Tuesday at Harlan County. Harlan improved to 4-1 overall with the victory and 2-0 in district competition.

Madelyn Haynes, one of six senior starters for the Lady Dragons, had a big night Tuesday as she finished with eight aces and a dig. Haven Saylor added six aces, five digs and one kill. Natalee King dominated around the net with 11 kills, along with one ace, five digs, two assists and three blocks. Kailey Cornett had one block. Emma Owens added one dig. Marissa Marlowe added a kill.

Saylor’s serving helped Harlan grab a 6-1 lead in the first set, but HCHS stayed close and closed to within two points on ace by Olivia Minor. The Lady Bears were still within striking distance when Saylor and Haynes led a 6-3 run to close the set.

King was in control at the net in the second set as Harlan grabbed an 11-6 lead. Haynes reeled off six straight service points to push the lead to 22-10.

No stats were available for HCHS.

Harlan won 16-21, 21-19, 21-12 in junior varsity action.

The Lady Dragons travel to Thomas Walker, Va., on Tuesday. Harlan County (0-2) will play host to Corbin on Tuesday.

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Saylor led Harlan to a 25-17, 25-19, 14-25 win Thursday at Pineville with six aces, three digs and one assist. King had three aces, two digs, four blocks and four kills. Haynes added two aces, two blocks and five kills. Lauren Nunez contributed two aces and one dig. Emma Fisher had one ace, one dig and one assist. Hannah Jones had two blocks and five kills. Cornett added one block.

Harlan rolled to a 25-14, 25-10, 25-17 win Saturday at Barbourville. Saylor led the Lady Dragons with five aces, three digs, one assist and one block. Jones had five aces, one dig, one assist, one block and four kills. Fisher added four aces and one dig. Nunez had two aces and one dig. King had two digs and two kills.